Store passwords on LastPass

Q: I have user IDs and passwords for more than two dozen online accounts. I can remember the login information for accounts I use all the time, however I forget how to get into ones I rarely use. I'd like to be able to store the information online and have it accessible whether I'm using a computer or my Android phone. Any suggestions?

A: I'm with you - it's becoming too hard to remember all of the IDs and passwords that accumulate when using online media, social networking, banking and shopping. What you need is a service like Master Lock Vault or LastPass, both of which are mobile friendly. Master Lock Vault is for storing confidential data, including IDs and passwords. There's a mobile-optimized version of the site, and free apps are available for Android phones and iPhones. The best part is the Master Lock Vault is free.

LastPass is free for computer users and costs $1 per month for use with smart phones. It lets you set a master password that can save the IDs and passwords for all your accounts. Why is that great? Because with LastPass, you can log in to your accounts with a single mouse click.

Q: Urgent question: My husband needs a cell phone service provider in other words totally reliable. He's on the list for a liver transplant and when his doctor calls, the call MUST go through. We currently use Tracfone and found out that from time to time, a call will go directly to his voice mail instead of ringing. This is unacceptable. What would you recommend for a new phone and service provider?

A: When calls go straight to voice mail, it's as a rule because the phone is outside of the service area, or the signal is too weak to receive the call. The phone itself could have reception issues, nevertheless that's more unlikely. Tracfone, a leading purveyor of prepaid mobile phone service, uses the networks of multiple carriers including AT&T and Verizon. Different model phones use different networks. So contact Tracfone and find out which carrier you've got, so you'll know which one to avoid.

Q: I am a longtime user of Quicken for the Mac. I understand that Apple's OS X 10.7 will not run Quicken, which Intuit to all appearances has no plans to update. Do you know of any personal finance software that could replace Quicken and meet my needs, which include tracking my spending and investments?

Oh, MobileMe: Afterwards last week's item on tracking down missing or stolen smart phones, several readers pointed out that Find My iPhone is no longer connected to Apple's MobileMe subscription service. Find My iPhone is a free app that can locate your iPhone. You as well can display a message on the phone with information for returning it to you; lock it remotely; and even erase personal data from it. And by the by, MobileMe is transitioning to iCloud, Apple's upcoming Web-based storage and access service.